The Odisha Science and Technology department has partnered with the National Centre for Coastal Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences to introduce a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) in the state. The memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at the Lok Seva Bhawan. The MSP aims to enhance coastal economic growth in Odisha while ensuring marine environmental protection.
Chief Minister Majhi highlighted that the MSP will not only stimulate the blue economy but also safeguard marine ecology. He emphasized that the plan will support local coastal economies and preserve marine biodiversity. Odisha has now become the first state to implement the Sustainable Ocean Planning initiative, following its successful implementation in Puducherry and Lakshadweep.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of managing the rich biodiversity and natural resources in Odisha’s coastal and marine regions. He noted that the MSP is a crucial step towards scientific management of the marine ecosystem, considering the environmental impacts of developmental activities and sectoral demands. The plan is expected to cater to the needs of fisheries, tourism, ports, ocean energy, and other sectors while ensuring the conservation of marine ecosystems.
Chief Minister Majhi also mentioned the launch of the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) last year to leverage biotechnology for marine environmental protection and economic progress. He underlined the significance of balancing coastal economic development with environmental protection to achieve the state’s prosperity by 2036 and India’s development by 2047. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Norway for its support and acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continuous backing for Odisha’s progress.
